[Photo from lyj.alt.gov.cn]

The Senior and Junior East Valley Forest Scenic Area, a national 2A scenic area in Northern Altay and a shooting base for photographers, is situated in the valley beside the upper Kelan River. Only 11 kilometers away from Altay city, it can be conveniently reached by the city’s sightseeing buses.

The valley sits among vast natural forests punctuated by the Senior Kelan River and Junior Kelan River. The valley is an ideal oasis for travelers to get close to the nature.

In Junior East Valley stands a 2-meter-high, 1-meter-wide rock featuring a carving of the words “Amitabha” written in Mongolian, endowing the valley with special holiness shrouded in mystery. Since tourism in Altay is especially dynamic in winter, the Senior and Junior East Valley features a comprehensive recreation center featuring skiing, skating and grass-skiing.